USDOT Clears 529 Infrastructure Grants, Tackles Backlog of 3,200 Projects

Major milestone in addressing the unprecedented Biden-Buttigieg backlog of more than 3,200 announced but unsigned projects.

U.S. Transportation Pushes Forward with Infrastructure Improvements

In a significant move towards revitalizing America’s infrastructure, the U.S. Department of Transportation has approved an additional 529 grants, channeling over $2.9 billion into projects nationwide. Under the leadership of U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, the department has now funded more than a third of the backlog of 3,200 projects left unresolved by prior administrations, with a total of $10 billion allocated to 1,065 projects.

"While cynics in the press hysterically warned of doomsday delays, USDOT has been hard at work to get America building again," remarked Secretary Duffy. "We’ve done this by refocusing the department on core infrastructure – not enacting a radical political agenda. With a third of the last administration’s unprecedented backlog cleared, we will continue to rip out red tape roadblocks to get dirt moving."

Among the latest approved projects are those that had been in limbo for several years: $21 million for rail safety near Ann Arbor, Michigan; $12 million allocated to the Manatee County Port Authority in Florida; $110 million designated for a North Carolina bridge connecting to the Outer Banks; and $47 million for enhancements at the Port of Baltimore.

Background and Recent Developments

The backlog of over 3,200 projects was inherited from previous administrations, causing delays in critical infrastructure developments. Secretary Duffy has emphasized accelerating these funds' distribution and targeting essential infrastructure needs. The department has eliminated certain regulatory requirements, such as DEI and greenhouse gas emission reporting, which were not mandated by Congress and were seen as obstacles to swift project execution.

These changes are expected to save taxpayers millions as construction costs had surged approximately 70% under previous guidelines, with emissions reporting adding significant costs and delays to projects.

Detailed Grant Allocations

For those interested in the specifics, the approved grants cover a wide range of infrastructure improvements. A detailed breakdown can be found here.

• Federal Aviation Administration

  • Airport Improvement Program Supplemental- 23 projects ($124 million)
  • Airport Terminal Program- 10 projects ($33 million)

• Federal Highway Administration

  • Bridge Investment Program- 1 project ($1.5 million)
  • Congestion Relief Program- 1 project ($16 million)
  • National Scenic Byways Program- 1 project ($113,000)
  • Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects- 2 projects ($39 million)
  • PROTECT Program- 32 projects ($369 million)

• Federal Railroad Administration

  • CRISI- 8 projects ($69 million)
  • Federal-State Partnership- 3 projects ($83 million)
  • Railroad Crossing Elimination- 22 projects ($28 million)
  • Safety Infrastructure Improvement Program- 1 project ($2 million)

• Federal Transit Administration

  • All Stations Accessibility Program- 10 projects ($365 million)
  • Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive- 41 projects ($175 million)
  • Ferry Service for Rural Communities- 4 projects ($195 million)
  • ICAM- 14 projects ($5 million)
  • Low or No Emission Grants- 26 projects ($187 million)
  • Passenger Ferry- 13 projects ($69 million)
  • Rail Vehicle Replacement- 3 projects ($372 million)
  • Tribal Transit Competitive Program- 43 projects ($16 million)

• Maritime Administration

  • Port Infrastructure Development Program – 2 projects ($56 million)
  • United States Marine Highway Program – 2 projects ($6 million)

• Office of the Secretary of Transportation

  • BUILD Grant Program - 2 projects ($45 million)
  • INFRA Grant Program - 8 projects ($499 million)
  • National Infrastructure Project Assistance - 1 project ($110 million)
  • Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program - 1 project ($6 million)
  • SS4A – 255 projects ($69 million)

###